“Some of our greatest learning experiences will come as we give compassionately of ourselves. We may forget to be compassionate, but God never will. It is important for us to remember that this is a significant part of our human experience. In fact, it seems to be that, of all our learning, that which we obtain by way of giving compassionately is the most significant learning we ever do. … The work of compassion in Relief Society has been both consistent and adaptable over the years. As new needs arise among our people, the work of the Relief Society is modified to meet those needs. So today, as a worldwide organization, our purpose exists as it always has: to encourage us as women in the compassionate work characterized by the Prophet Joseph Smith as ‘according to your natures.’ ”
Barbara Bradshaw Smith, January 26, 1922 – September 13, 2010
Tenth General President of the Relief Society, 1974 – 1984
1978 BYU Devotional Speeches of the Year, Provo: BYU Press, 1979, p. 17.
